Posted by Daniel Lee on Jan 3 2023, 08:41 PM
Daily dental hygiene practices are necessary to keep your smile healthy and clean. This can keep problems like tooth decay and gum disease at bay, so you don’t have to deal with complications later on. Practicing good habits now will lead to better overall dental health in the future. However, there are also many bad habits that you should try to avoid if you want to have a healthy smile. Here are some of them.
Tobacco use, in any form, is not good for your mouth. It can cause tooth decay and gum disease, destroy bone support around teeth, and lead to oral cancers. Although smoking is the most dangerous form of tobacco use, using chewing tobacco is still a health risk. If you are struggling to quit smoking or using other forms of tobacco, talk to your dentist about support options that are available to help you quit for good. Your dentist can assess your oral health and offer solutions to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Tooth grinding can lead to severe damage to your smile. Even if you only grind your teeth a few nights a week, it can still wear down enamel and damage teeth over time. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, it may be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth at night. Over time, this habit can wear down teeth and cause jaw pain and headaches. Fortunately, we can create a custom night guard to help protect your smile from damage caused by tooth grinding. This protective device fits comfortably over your teeth and prevents them from touching while you sleep. The device also helps relax the muscles in your face, which can relieve tension and reduce pain. The night guard is custom-made to fit comfortably in your mouth. Call our office to learn more or to schedule a consultation today!
When most people snack, they grab something quick and convenient, like a bag of chips or cookies. These are foods that are high in sugar content, which can contribute to tooth decay and cavities. If you’re craving a snack, try reaching for something that is low in sugar and keeps you healthy and satisfied. Some great options are nuts, fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, plain yogurt, or even a small amount of dark chocolate.
Many patients can admit that they don’t brush their teeth as often as they should. The act of brushing removes plaque from your teeth and can help you to eliminate decay-causing bacteria. It also stimulates the gums and promotes blood flow to the area. In some cases, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can affect the health of your mouth in serious ways. Additionally, plaque that is allowed to accumulate on teeth can contribute to bad breath. Bacteria in the mouth can also cause this embarrassing problem to occur. The best way to avoid this is to brush your teeth twice per day for at least two minutes each time. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once per day as well.
When it comes to maintaining good oral health, nutrition plays a role as well. What you eat affects your teeth and gums in multiple ways. For example, if you eat sugary foods or snacks frequently, this can increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities. Sugary foods and drinks produce plaque acids that attack your tooth enamel and cause damage. Additionally, not eating healthy can lead to unhealthy weight gain, which can affect your oral health in other ways too. A diet high in sugar and carbs can lead to dry mouth, as these foods can cause your body to produce less saliva than normal. Without enough saliva in your mouth, you can experience oral issues like bad breath, gum disease, and infections.
Some healthy foods that can help improve your dental health include fruits like strawberries, kiwi, apples, and others that are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to help your teeth recover from the effects of acid erosion from eating sour foods. You can also drink milk, which is high in calcium and vitamin D, both of which can help keep your teeth strong. Other foods that are good for your overall health can also help keep your teeth in good shape, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and more.
To learn more, call us at 503 2334871 or visit our website for more details. We are located at 1415 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214.
